It's Memorial Day So Here Are Expert Swim Tips for Swimming Pool Safety This Summer

Sensible and Easy Tips That Will Prevent Unnecessary and Tragic Drowning Incidents in Pools and at Beaches 2011

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Jumping into the swimming pool or hanging out at the beach every day is a rite of passage for most kids when summer vacation finally comes around. But inevitably every summer we also have news reports of boys and girls who needlessly drowned because of negligence, their own lack of skills, or inadequate protection. In order to avoid another round of tragic stories this year, the YMCA of Broward County wants to educate and inform parents and caregivers on how they can best protect children who just want to have fun at the swimming pool or beach without realizing the dangers that may face them.

“We hope parents and caregivers will take heed of these very important safety tips and suggestions”

“We hope parents and caregivers will take heed of these very important safety tips and suggestions,” says Sheryl Woods, President/CEO, YMCA of Broward County. “The YMCA’s extensive swim and anti-drowning programs and classes prove how committed we are to making sure every child is safe and protected."

Three layers of prevention must be in place to keep children safe because in a split second any one of the layers may fail and the other two must be in place to prevent a water tragedy.

ADULT SUPERVISION

Never – even for a moment – leave small children alone or in the care of another young child while in bathtubs, swimming pools, spas, wading pools, near irrigation ditches, or in standing water.

BARRIERS AND ALARMS

If you have a swimming pool, install a four-sided fence around the swimming pool that is at least 4 feet high. The fence should be hard to climb (not chain-link) and have a self-latching, self-closing gate. All gates and doors leading to the swimming pool must be locked. Door alarms, swimming pool alarms, and rigid swimming pool covers provide additional layers of protection, but do not replace the need for a fence.

WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTION

Each year enroll your child in YMCA Swim Lessons and provide water safety education.

Parents, caregivers, and pool owners should learn CPR.

THE GRIM FACTS ABOUT DROWNING

FACT: Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4 in Florida.

FACT: Broward County leads the state in the number of deaths each year.

FACT: Enough children drown in Florida each year to fill about four classrooms.

FACT: Drowning is a silent death, with no yelling or splashing.

FACT: Of the children who drowned in Broward in the last 3 years:

· 83% were males

· 58% were African-American

· Many were from low-income households

· 83% of the children were very familiar with the swimming pool and died in their own backyard or community.

· 96% of the cases, an adult was present.

The YMCA of Broward County says, “We must get to the child before the child gets to the water!”

About YMCA Broward County

The YMCA of Broward County is comprised of seven family centers, 52 after school programs, 22 summer camps, 28 senior outreach programs, and six aquatic centers. The Y is committed to three areas of focus for the communities they serve. Youth Development: To nurture the potential of every youth and teen; Health Living: To improve the community’s health and well-being and Social responsibility: To give back and provide support to our neighbors. The YMCA of Broward County will continue to Strengthen the Foundations of Community as well as putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Y is and always will be dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities. For more information about the YMCA of Broward County call 954.334.9622 or visit us at www.ymcabroward.org